Military Gallery Livres

On the night of 16/17 May 1943 one of the most daring raids in the history of air warfare took place when nineteen crews from the newly-formed 617 Squadron successfully attacked the great dams of Germany. Their audacious low-level assault gained them immediate fame and legendary status. They were the Dambusters. Their incredible story is now told through an unparalleled collection of paintings and drawings from the archives of the Military Gallery. Featuring works from some of the world's most talented artists, the stunning visual record in this lavishly illustrated book provides a unique insight into the wartime exploits of 617 Squadron. However, it is not simply a collection of artwork; first and foremost it is a historically accurate recollection of events, painstakingly researched with the assistance of leading historians. Being illustrated by the world's leading military and aviation artists rather than photographs makes it a totally unique account and very different to any others.

There are few visual records of the dramatic encounters that took place over southern England during that long summer as Nazi Germany prepared to invade Britain. This commemorative book relives these historic events as the RAF, though outnumbered, repelled the might of Hitler’s war machine.This book is not simply a collection of artwork; first and foremost it is a historically accurate recollection of events, painstakingly researched with the assistance of leading historians.However, being illustrated by the world’s leading military and aviation artists rather than photographs makes it a totally unique account and very different to any others.Much of the work included was produced exclusively for the book and many specially created maps and diagrams make the edition perfect for military enthusiasts and art collectors alike.It is a fitting tribute to those young men of RAF Fighter Command – ‘Churchill’s Few’ – who took part in one of the most important air battles ever fought.